“Animal lovers are a special breed of humans, generous of spirit, full of empathy, perhaps a little prone to sentimentality, and with hearts as big as a cloudless sky”

— John Grogan, Marley and Me: Life and Love with the World’s Worst Dog.

Michele “Mitch” McCabe, 65, of Spokane, Washington died of natural causes on April 16, 2017

Michele was born in Spokane, WA on July 29, 1951 – the second of three children to Robert and Ila Geno. After graduating from North Central High School in 1969, she found employment at The Crescent working at the lunch counter for 5 + years. It was at the Lil Bigfoot restaurant working as a waitress, where Michele met her true love, Tim McCabe and they were married in Spokane, WA July 15, 1978.

As the true animal lover, she was, Michele went on to work for Aquatic World & Pets for 20 + years until she was diagnosed with MS in 1998 and could no longer work.

Michele enjoyed painting, crocheting, counting cross stitch, but most of all being with her critters. Michele loved family, friends, and animals and rarely in that order. She possessed and routinely exercised the ability to bring humor to situations that desperately needed it. In giving so much to others, there were times when Michele left little for herself. In February Michele was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. During the last 6 weeks before her passing, Michele faced this beast of a disease with a smile and a graceful blend of fear, hope, tears, and love for those near to her heart.

Michele is survived by her husband of 38 years, Tim; stepdaughters; Tammy (Dave) and Christine (Jeff); stepson; Timmer (Deanna); grandchildren; Jesse, Cody, Blake and Carter; mother; Ila; brothers; Bob (Toni) and Mark (Darla); nieces; Lara, Rachel and Emma; nephew Joey; many dear cousins; and beloved critters; Toby, Ezio, Barnaby and Apollo. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Geno.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday April 29, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Hennessey Funeral Home.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, charitable donations be made in Michele’s honor to SpokAnimal, 710 N Napa, Spokane, WA 99202

We offer a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Riverview Care Center. We are grateful for your time, care and compassion.